Example embodiments of this application provide a method and an apparatus for transmitting a service flow based on FlexE. The method includes: sending, by a first network device, a first FlexE overhead frame to a second network device, where the first network device and the second network device transmit a service flow using a first FlexE group, and the first FlexE overhead frame includes FlexE group adjustment identification information and PHY information of a physical layer (PHY) included in a second FlexE group; receiving, by the first network device, a second FlexE overhead frame sent by the second network device, where the second FlexE overhead frame includes FlexE group adjustment acknowledgment identification information; adjusting, by the first network device, the first FlexE group to the second FlexE group; and sending, by the first network device, the service flow to the second network device based on the second FlexE group, to dynamically adjust a FlexE group.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second FlexE group is obtained after the first network device adds a first PHY to the first FlexE group.
A system for managing Flexible Ethernet (FlexE) groups in a network involves dynamically adjusting the configuration of FlexE groups to optimize bandwidth utilization and network performance. The system includes a first network device that monitors traffic conditions and determines when to modify a FlexE group by adding or removing physical layer (PHY) interfaces. When the first network device detects a need for increased bandwidth, it adds a first PHY to an existing first FlexE group, thereby expanding the group's capacity. This modification creates a second FlexE group with an updated configuration that includes the additional PHY. The system ensures seamless integration of the new PHY into the existing group while maintaining data integrity and minimizing service disruption. The apparatus may also include a second network device that communicates with the first network device to coordinate the FlexE group adjustments, ensuring synchronized operations across the network. This approach allows for flexible and efficient allocation of network resources in response to changing traffic demands.
18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second FlexE group is obtained after the first network device deletes a second PHY from the first FlexE group.
A network apparatus is designed to manage Flexible Ethernet (FlexE) groups in high-speed data networks. The invention addresses the challenge of dynamically adjusting FlexE group configurations to optimize bandwidth utilization and network efficiency. The apparatus includes a first network device configured to manage multiple FlexE groups, each comprising one or more physical layer (PHY) interfaces. The device can modify a FlexE group by removing a PHY interface, thereby creating a new FlexE group from the remaining PHY interfaces. Specifically, the apparatus allows the first network device to delete a second PHY from an initial FlexE group, resulting in a second FlexE group composed of the remaining PHY interfaces. This modification enables flexible reconfiguration of network resources to adapt to changing traffic demands or hardware conditions. The apparatus ensures seamless integration with existing network infrastructure while improving scalability and fault tolerance. The solution is particularly useful in data center and telecommunication environments where dynamic bandwidth allocation is critical.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
June 24, 2020
October 11, 2022
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.